7 William Morris Wallpaper Designs You Need to See!
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Stunning William Morris Wallpaper Designers are Swooning Over
From intricate patterns to bold colors and natural motifs, William Morris wallpapers have been inspiring interior design for over a century. But they are having a HUGE resurgence right now in the world of interior design!
If you want to learn more about the William Morris interior design trend, you’re in the right place! In this blog post we’ll take a closer look at who this artist was, we’ll dive into some of the most popular William Morris wallpaper designs, and we’ll discover why they continue to captivate us today and why they’re so popular right now.
So, get comfy, grab a cuppa and get ready for a journey into the world of William Morris wallpaper!
Who was William Morris?
William Morris (1834-1896) was an English designer, artist, writer, and socialist associated with the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and the British Arts and Crafts Movement.
Usually, the name William Morris conjures up images of his beguiling and intricate patterns; however, during his lifetime he was actually more celebrated for his poetry! ✍️
Morris’s designs were a reaction against the mass-produced wallpapers that had become popular during the Industrial Revolution. He wanted to create designs that were handcrafted and reflected the natural world, inspired by medieval art and traditional craft techniques. Morris was passionate about the value of handcraftsmanship, and believed that people should be surrounded by beautiful, well-made objects in their daily lives.
Morris’s wallpaper designs typically feature intricate patterns with floral and botanical motifs, often rendered in bold colors and rich textures. Today, we’re happy to slap on a roll of peel and stick William Morris wallpaper, no shame in that! But in his time, he used natural dyes and high-quality materials like linen and silk. His wallpapers were even block-printed by hand! Morris was deeply involved in every aspect of the design process, from drawing the initial designs to overseeing the printing and production of the wallpapers.
Morris’s wallpaper designs were also part of, and essentially the basis of a broader movement known as the Arts and Crafts movement, which sought to elevate the decorative arts to the same level of importance as fine art. This movement emphasized traditional craft techniques, the use of natural materials, and the value of skilled craftsmanship. Morris’s wallpaper designs embodied these principles, and helped to shape the aesthetic of the Arts and Crafts movement.
His works have been revered by interior designers and home decorators alike since the late 19th century.
Why is William Morris Wallpaper so popular right now?
William Morris has always been one of the most iconic and beloved figures in the world of design. But in recent years, William Morris wallpaper has experienced a huge resurgence in popularity. There are several reasons for this resurgence – if you’re a major design nerd like myself, you may be wondering why the sudden pique in interest – so let’s analyze, shall we?🙂
First of all, there’s been a growing interest in the Arts and Crafts movement and its emphasis on traditional craftsmanship and natural materials. William Morris was a key figure in this movement, and his wallpaper designs reflect its values.
Second, there has been a renewed interest in maximalism in interior design, with people embracing bold patterns, vibrant colors, and ornate details. William Morris wallpapers fit well with this trend, offering intricate patterns and rich colors that can add a touch of luxury and opulence to a space.
Third, there’s been a desire to bring more personality and character to interior design, with people seeking out unique and distinctive elements that reflect their personal style. William Morris wallpapers are a perfect example of this, with each design offering a distinct personality and charm that can help to make a space feel more individual and special.
Believe me, it’s no coincidence that Morris and Co. recently collaborated with American designer Shea McGee to launch a line of products featuring recolored versions of Morris’s patterns! This collaboration was a deliberate move to bring a fresh perspective to the classic designs, while also capitalizing on the trendiness of both Morris’s aesthetic and McGee’s style, which I’m sure will turn out to be a smart business move for both companies.
William Morris wallpapers have become more accessible in recent years, with a growing number of companies offering high-quality reproductions of Morris’s original designs. This has made it easier for homeowners to incorporate Morris wallpaper into their homes, without having to search for vintage or antique versions, which would be very cost prohibitive! I’ll share some of my favorite sources later on so keep reading to find out where to buy the best William Morris wallpaper!
Most Popular William Morris Wallpaper Patterns
William Morris produced more than 50 patterns, but there are definitely a select few that are the most iconic and used by interior designers!
Let’s take a look at which ones those are. There are links provided for where to buy each pattern, if you’re thinking of papering your home with your favorite William Morris floral motif.
1. Pimpernel
Morris was a keen gardener and spent many hours studying and observing plants and flowers. The Pimpernel pattern was inspired by the delicate flowers and leaves of the pimpernel plant, which Morris saw growing in the meadows near his home.
The pattern was first created in 1876 and has remained a popular choice ever since. The Pimpernel pattern is arguably one of the most popular William Morris wallpaper patterns right now.
The design features a dense arrangement of flowers and foliage, with intricate details and subtle shading that give it a sense of depth and richness. Pimpernel can be found in a range of different colors. If the color so typical of Morris patterns feels like too much for you, then you’lI love the neutral, monochromatic schemes Morris & Co have released with their ‘Pure’ collection. Lynne Byrne used Pimpernel from the Pure collection in her space below:
The overall effect of Pimpernel is one of natural beauty and elegance, with a timeless quality that makes it suitable for a wide range of interior design styles.
2. Strawberry Thief
The “Strawberry Thief” wallpaper design by William Morris is one of his most iconic and recognizable designs. It features a forest of birds and foliage that creates a playful and dynamic feel. The main motif consists of thrushes perched on curling branches, interspersed with vibrant green holly leaves and berries. This lively pattern has an intricate detail to it, with each bird or berry drawing your eye around the design, creating a delightfully whimsical effect.
Morris designed this print as an homage to the birds he observed stealing fruit from his kitchen garden at Kelmscott Manor in Oxfordshire in the 1880s. “Strawberry Thief” is beloved for its unique combination of charm, artistry, and humor – all captured in the tiny details of its intricate patterning.
Strawberry Thief is available in several different colorways and pattern scales at the link below.
3. Willow Boughs
Morris had a special fondness for the willow motif and incorporated it into many of his designs.
The Willow pattern is one of William Morris’s most famous wallpaper designs, first created in 1874. Inspired by the willow tree and the countryside landscape, Morris designed the pattern to capture the natural beauty and simplicity of the English countryside.
The pattern is a beloved classic, and was refreshed with a Morris and Co and Ben Pentreath collaboration. You can check out the collection here.
Morris and Co. has also recently released a slightly modernized take on the original 1874 design, and has called it Emery’s Willow. This wallpaper features an intricate latticework of willow branches, over a bubble-like background. The overall effect is one of peacefulness and tranquility, with the organic lines and shapes creating a calming yet whimsical atmosphere. You can view the entire collection of 28 wallpapers here.
Whether you choose the original Willow, or one of the updated Willow boughs, the William Morris willow pattern would be an ideal choice for rooms where you want to create a soothing environment.
4. Acanthus
The Acanthus wallpaper was designed by William Morris in 1875. The design features a stylized large-scale acanthus leaf motif which is composed of intricate detailing and subtle shading. The leaves appear to be intertwined within the pattern, giving it a sense of depth and texture. The overall effect is one of sophistication, with an elegant and graceful vibe that can easily elevate any room in the home.
The pattern is based on the acanthus leaf, which has been used as an ornamental motif in art since Ancient Greece. It is thought to have first appeared in architecture, with its origins in Ancient Egyptian reliefs and Greek pottery. This iconic symbol has been used for centuries in designs as diverse as Gothic cathedrals and Art Deco buildings. Morris’s use of this timeless motif creates an eye-catching yet timeless look that never goes out of style.
The ‘Acanthus’ pattern features a large-scale repeat, which may seem more suited to spacious rooms. However, William Morris had a different perspective and believed that a larger pattern could actually enhance the look of a smaller space. According to Morris, a well-designed large pattern could be more soothing to the eye than a small one, offering a sense of calmness and balance to the room.
5. Larkspur
The Larkspur wallpaper pattern by William Morris features a delicate floral design that evokes a sense of timeless beauty and tranquility. The pattern consists of a repeating motif of tall, slender stems with intricate leaves and blossoms, creating a sense of movement and organic flow. The flowers themselves are simple yet elegant, I feel like they almost have a feather-like quality to them.
The Larkspur pattern was designed in 1874 and was an instant success and quickly became one of Morris’s most popular patterns.
6. Marigold
The Marigold pattern is a classic Morris design featuring a bold and intricate floral motif. It was originally created by Morris in 1875, and like many of his patterns, it was inspired by nature. The Marigold pattern features large, stylized flowers with detailed petals and leaves, all set against a background of swirling vines and foliage.
The Marigold pattern has remained popular for over a century and has been used in a variety of interior design settings. Its bold and colorful design is particularly well-suited for larger rooms with high ceilings, where it can make a dramatic statement. However, the pattern can also be used in smaller rooms as an accent wall or on select pieces of furniture to add a touch of Morris’s timeless style to any space. Today, the Marigold pattern remains a beloved favorite among Morris enthusiasts and continues to inspire contemporary designers around the world.
7. Blackthorn
The Blackthorn pattern is a favorite among top interior designers and features a delicate and intricate floral motif, inspired by nature, as were many of Morris’s patterns. It was originally created by Morris’s employee, John Henry Dearle, but was sometimes attributed to Morris himself.
Dearle began working for Morris & Co. in 1878, and he continued to design patterns for the company even after Morris’s death in 1896. It’s likely that the Blackthorn pattern was created sometime in the late 19th century, possibly in the 1880s or 1890s.
How to incorporate William Morris patterns in your home
Here are some ideas and tips for how to use William Morris wallpaper in your home decor:
1. Paper an entire powder room
2. Paper the interior of a closet
3. Line shelves or cupboards with his patterns
4. Make a feature of one of his patterns in an alcove (for example in the photo above!)
5. Buy a series of WM prints and hang a themed gallery wall
6. If you’re feeling adventurous, use two different patterns from Morris’s collection in the same room – for example wallpaper in one motif and curtains in another.
Which Interior design styles pair with William Morris Wallpaper?
In my opinion, maximalist styles complement William Morris patterns best. Here’s a list of design styles that could seamlessly blend with Morris patterns:
1. Victorian
William Morris is a monumental cultural figure in Victorian history so it’s only natural that his motifs would pair well with Victorian style interiors – his patterns were originally designed during the Victorian era after all!
2. Art Nouveau
The art nouveau movement was heavily influenced by Morris’s work, so his wallpaper patterns are perfect for creating an art nouveau inspired interior. With their whimsical curves and graceful lines, Morris’s motifs will bring a sense of playfulness and sophistication to any art nouveau space.
3. Eclectic/Maximalist
For eclectic or maximalist interiors, Morris’s designs are the perfect way to add texture and interest to any space. His intricate designs look especially good when paired with bold colours, accessories, and furniture for a layered, eclectic look.
4. Craftsman / Arts & Crafts
William Morris wallpaper is a natural fit for Craftsman-style homes due to the shared emphasis on handcrafted quality and simple, organic beauty. The Arts and Crafts movement, of which Morris was a leading figure, emphasized traditional craftsmanship and the use of natural materials in design. Craftsman-style homes similarly prioritize handcrafted details, with a focus on simplicity, function, and natural materials such as wood and stone. The intricate, organic designs of Morris wallpaper complement the clean lines and natural textures of Craftsman-style interiors. The timeless beauty and enduring appeal of Morris wallpaper make it a perfect choice for homeowners who appreciate the enduring values of the Arts and Crafts movement and seek to incorporate its principles into their homes.
5. Traditional and Transitional
Traditional or transitional spaces can be made more interesting with William Morris motifs as well. His prints can add a subtle hint of color without taking away from the traditional feel of your home decor.
6. Cottage
For cottage-style homes, his wallpaper patterns lend themselves perfectly – they give off a cozy vibe that’s all about comfort and relaxation.
7. Dark Academia
If you’re going for something slightly unconventional like dark academia style interiors, then Morris’s wallpaper designs could be just what you need! Their intricate detailing works particularly well when combined with darker colors like blues, greens and purples; lending drama and depth to any space you choose!
William Morris Books Worth Owning
Check out these gorgeous books all about William Morris patterns and wallpapers! I love the history and of course the photography is stunning.
Where To Buy William Morris Wallpaper
There are many places where you can buy William Morris wallpaper, here are some reliable sources:
Peel and Stick Wallpaper – With the advent of peel and stick wallpapers, more people have been willing to experiment with wallpaper in their homes. This “lower commitment” version of wallpaper has led many people to become more daring with their design choices and experiment with patterns that stand out from the crowd.
Wallpaper Direct – This is an online retailer that offers a large selection of William Morris wallpaper, including many of his most popular designs and the majority of the collections seen on Morris & Co. They also offer free samples and a wallpaper calculator to help you determine how much wallpaper you need.
Anthropologie – Anthropologie’s selection of William Morris wallpaper includes a range of colors and styles to suit different tastes and decor schemes. Some of the designs available feature bold, vibrant colors, while others have more muted tones for a softer look.
Spoonflower – my favorite source for peel and stick William Morris wallpaper. I love that they offer different colorways but also different sizes of each pattern.
If you’re looking to make a statement, William Morris wallpaper patterns are sure to turn heads and get people talking as soon as they walk through your front door! Sure, they may be on trend right now, but even once that passes, William Morris patterns will remain timeless.
I love William Morris-what are your thoughts about using it on the blank wall under the stairway in a kitchen?
absolutely do it!! it will look amazing